Netherlands omit Van Der Wiel

Paris Saint-Germain defender Gregory van der Wiel is the most notable absentee in the Netherlands' provisional FIFA World Cup squad.

Published

13 May 2014

Despite starting his country's most recent international match, a friendly against France on March 5, Van Der Wiel has been left out by coach Louis van Gaal.

The 26-year-old has been troubled by a knee complaint in recent weeks, a potential factor in Van Gaal's decision, and Daryl Janmaat and Paul Verhaegh - of Feyenoord and Augsburg respectively - have been preferred.

There is also no room for Fulham defender John Heitinga or Manchester United full-back Alexander Buttner in a 30-man party that will be shorn of seven players prior to the tournament.

Uncapped Feyenoord youngster Terence Kongolo has been handed a chance to impress, while the squad is captained by Robin van Persie.

"It is now up to the preliminary roster to convince me that they belong to the last 23," said Van Gaal, who has been hotly tipped to link up with Van Persie at Manchester United when he steps down as national coach after the World Cup.

The Netherlands were already resigned to being without Kevin Strootman after the Roma midfielder tore a cruciate ligament in his left knee in March.

Van Gaal's men open their World Cup campaign on June 13 against Spain, their conquerors in the 2010 final.

Australia and Chile represent the other opposition for the Dutch in Group B, while hosts Brazil are a potential last-16 opponent.